. >> reporter: all kidding aside, paul ryan and marco rubio already appear to be hitting on themes that seem to distance themselves from mitt romney's toc comments on people who receive government assistance. >> both parties tend to divide americans into our voters and their voters. let's be really clear. republicans must steer far clear of that trap. >> i've heard it suggested that the problem is, that the american people have changed. too many people want things from government. but i'm still convinced that the overwhelming majority of our people want what my parents had, a chance. >> reporter: republican strategists say their candidacies could help hit the gop reset button and give hillary clinton a serious challenge. >> does she scare republicans? >> i think she energizes republicans. what we're seeing right now are some very positive numbers for hillary clinton now. she's been out of the political fray for four years. when she becomes a politician again, if she goes into the political fray, into that ring, the gloves are off and the bell is ringing. >> unlike her last run in 20078